Maui 12/19 - 12/24 - Oaho 12/15 - 12/29 Need Guidance!

[scubapilot2000]

We're coming out on the Dec. 19th - 24th staying in Lahaini (Paki Maui Resort). Family of 6. Myself (MI), wife (OW ~10 dives), 3 teen sons (AOW, ~50 dives), 11 year old daughter (newly certified). In Maui, we'd like to do a couple of days of shore dives and probably one day of boat diving (giving the cost of multiple boat diving days of 6 people adds up pretty quick).

I'm hearing that the Mala boat ramp is a great shore dive. Any suggestions on which dive shop to go with for gear, etc?

Next we hop over to Oahu (Waikiki) Dec. 24th - 29th looking to do the same. Last time we were there my sons (11, 12, and 13, at the time) and I dove with AAA. From looking at the boards here, if it's the same AAA, he owns his own boat now. The strategy for Oahu is the same. Looking to do a couple days of shore dives and maybe a day of boat diving.

Can you help with some suggestions and strategies?

Thanks!

 

[Shaka Doug]

The island will be really busy during that time. Right now the water conditions are super sweet for shore diving on the south side. There was 70' viz today down here on one of my dives!

 

[kidspot]

Mala can be really nice, but vis is normally 30 ft or less. Infrequently you'll find it with up to 80ft vis, but that's pretty rare. Your best bet there is earlier in the morning. In Lahaina I'd check with Pacific Dive as they seem to have the best rates, and good service too.

You might also consider doing some shore dives in Kihei (Maybe do a "shaka" dive with Doug )

The past week Lahaina has had some beautiful conditions, but today was rather drab with a fair amount of surge and vis was at most 30 ft... still nice warm Maui water and 2 hour long dives made for a very nice start to the day

Aloha, Tim